Liverpool and Newcastle ‘to fight for Celtic’s Gary Hooper’

Liverpool and Newcastle are set to battle it out for the signature of Celtic’s in-form striker Gary Hooper.

The English forward has been in strong goalscoring form this season and has impressed plenty of potential suitors south of the border, with Bhoys boss Neil Lennon claiming he should be picked to represent England.

Gary Hooper is attracting interest from the Premier League (Getty)

That has alerted new Anfield chief Brendan Rodgers and Newcastle’s Alan Pardew , both of whom are looking to strengthen their forward lines in the January transfer window.

Hooper is thought to be finding it difficult to agree terms on a new contract with Celtic, and with just 18 months left to run on his current deal the Scottish giants might be wise to cash in while they can.

Rodgers currently has just one recognised forward at his disposal after Fabio Borini picked up an injury while on international duty with Italy this week.

It is believed that Hooper is upset that various promises made to him by the Celtic hierarchy have been broken.

That could make the former Scunthorpe and Southend man more likely to wave goodbye to Celtic Park in the New Year in favour of pursuing his Premier League dream at either Anfield or St James’ Park.